Prince Charles Hospital gains baby friendly award

Prince Charles Hospital’s Neonatal Service has been awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award and is the latest UK health care facility to gain recognition from the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Baby Friendly Initiative.

Dr Suzanne Hardacre Director of Midwifery at Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB said: "This award from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers at Prince Charles Hospital.

"Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and obesity later in life. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, and that it supports the mental health of both mother and baby.

“At Cwm Taf Morgannwg, we set out to ensure that all mothers and babies are supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.”

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme which aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers and families as part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships in order to ensure that all babies get the best possible start in life. The award is given to the Neonatal Service at Prince Charles Hospital after an assessment by a UNICEF UK team has shown that recognised best practice standards are in place.

"We are delighted that the Hospital has achieved full Baby Friendly status," said UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Deputy Programme Director, Anne Woods. “Our work to support breastfeeding is based on extensive and resounding evidence that breastfeeding saves lives, improves health and cuts costs in every country worldwide, rich and poor alike.”

25/05/2023